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To be or not to be?

  1. Ramiro

    • Origin:

      Spanish; Portuguese

    • Meaning:

      "great judge"

    • Description:

      A charming -o name with cool nickname possibilities, Ramiro is also a historical choice: there were 2 Aragonese Spanish kings named Ramiro.
  2. Ramos

    • Description:

      Ramos is predominantly a surname of Spanish and Portuguese origin, derived from the Latin "ramus" meaning "branch" or "bough." Its use as a first name is relatively uncommon but occurs in Spanish-speaking countries and communities with Hispanic heritage. The name may have originally referred to someone who lived near a notable tree or worked with branches. Ramos has particular significance in Christian tradition through Palm Sunday, called "Domingo de Ramos" in Spanish, commemorating Jesus's entry into Jerusalem when palm branches were laid in his path. While primarily recognized as a family name—famously associated with Spanish football player Sergio Ramos—its strong, concise sound and cultural connections make it an occasional choice as a given name for boys in Hispanic communities.

  3. Rasmus

    • Origin:

      Finnish and Scandinavian variation of Erasmus

    • Meaning:

      "beloved, desired"

    • Description:

      A form of ancient name newly popular in Eastern Europe, Rasmus is rugged and distinctive - and on trend in Estonia and Finland. Virtually unknown in the U.S. but with its philosophical roots and uplifting meaning, Rasmus seems prime for use. The Rasmus is a Finnish rock band.
  4. Saffron

    • Origin:

      Spice name

    • Description:

      Spice names are increasingly appealing to the senses of prospective parents; this one, belonging to a precious spice derived from the crocus has a vaguely orange-scented-incense sixties feel.
  5. Santos

    • Origin:

      Spanish

    • Meaning:

      "saint, holy"

    • Description:

      The Spanish and Portuguese variation of the all-saints name. Santos is a name that has appeared in the US Top 1000 every year except for two: 1913 and 1915.
  6. Saul

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "prayed for"

    • Description:

      Jewish parents in particular may be drawn to this quiet, composed name of the first king of Israel and the name of Saint Paul before his conversion. In modern times, it has been associated with Nobel Prize-winning novelist Saul Bellow. Its meaning makes it appropriate for a long-awaited child.

      Saul is a character in a John Dryden poem, and heard in the Handel oratorio, "Saul."

  7. Sulola

    • Origin:

      African, meaning unknown

    • Description:

      Sulola is a rhythmic Nigerian name chosen as a middle name for Heidi Klum and Seal's daughter Lou, reflecting Seal's Nigerian roots. It's pretty and accessible enough, with its relation to Lola, to cross cultural lines. It's one of several African names introduced to the wider world by celebrities.
  8. Tamarind

    • Origin:

      Arabic

    • Meaning:

      "tree and spice name"

    • Description:

      A hardwood tree native to Africa, India and other tropical regions, which bears sweet pod-shaped fruits which are used as a flavoring in many world cuisines, including Indian and Filipino. A rare and intriguing nature name which could honor an ancestral Tammy or Tamar.
  9. Tarragon

    • Origin:

      Latin herb name

    • Description:

      Aromatic but also problematic.
  10. Wesley

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "western meadow"

    • Description:

      Reminiscent of the Old West, with rugged charm and a gentle, easy-going feel, Wesley has long been a staple on the US charts.
  11. Wylda

    • Origin:

      Variation of the word wild or German

    • Meaning:

      "to strive"

    • Description:

      The German name for girls Wylda was introduced to the world by British filmmaker/artist, director of Fifty Shades of Gray Sam Taylor-Wood and her actor husband, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, who named their daughter Wylda Rae. Is that Wylda, which rhymes with Hilda, and might be found inhabiting a sod hut on the Kansas prairie in 1901? Or Wylda, sister of Wilder, destined for a future as a hell-raising singer in a rock band?
  12. Yvonne

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "yew wood"

    • Description:

      Peaking in the 1950s, Yvonne has now dropped out of the Top 1000 in 2003 and doesn't look set to return soon, although its rare Y initial might endear it to some. Yvaine, from Neil Gaiman's Stardust, has more modern appeal.
  13. Zahn

    • Origin:

      German

    • Meaning:

      "tooth"

    • Description:

      Newswoman Paula brought the surname Zahn to the public eye. It makes a dramatic, unusual Zane alternative -- though you may not want to enlighten your child as to its prosaic meaning.